Boy Scouts of America (dba Scouting America) – Philmont Scout Ranch
Grants Awarded
The Philmont Santa Fe Trail - Cimarron Heritage Trail project will revitalize an historical 3.5-mile footpath connecting Philmont’s Training Center and Camping Headquarters to Old Town Cimarron, NM. The program focuses on repairing and widening the trail and adding markings for easy navigation, transforming it into a more accessible and enjoyable walkway for campers, local residents, and visitors. The upgraded trail will support leisurely walks, historical exploration, and viewing local wildlife. This restoration project will involve the local community, with staff and volunteers from various organizations working from fall 2025 through spring 2026.
Philmont Scout Ranch, the largest National High-Adventure Bases of Scouting America, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Since 1938, Philmont has provided unparalleled backcountry experiences for over 1 million Scouts, Venturers, and advisors with high-adventure activities such as backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, rock climbing, mountain biking, and training and service programs. Philmont Scout Ranch operates 35 staffed camps and 55 trail camps across the rugged terrain that range in elevation from 6,500 to 12,441 feet. Most activities take place during the summer, but Philmont also offers programs during the off season such as Autumn and Winter Adventure. Throughout its existence, conscientious attention to low-impact camping techniques and diligent wildlife and forestry conservation work has helped maintain Philmont’s wilderness. As the world’s largest outdoor youth camp and a leader in the Scouting movement, Philmont Scout Ranch sets the standard for outdoor education. The Principles of Leave No Trace and the Philmont Wilderness Pledge are integral to preserving the rich cultural, historical, and environmental resources that make up a fundamental part of our backcountry experiences. Gold Standard is Leave No Trace’s highest form of recognition. The Philmont staff are trained to meet each participant where they are to develop an appreciation for the importance of these resources, from the family camper to the Leave No Trace Master Educator. Philmont is accredited and affiliated with the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA Accreditation signifies Philmont’s dedication to maintaining high standards in program quality and ensuring the health and safety of campers and staff. Through this accreditation process, Philmont continues to enhance its operations, offers best practices in policies and procedures, and strive for continuous improvement to provide a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit. Philmont’s vision is to positively impact the lives of young people and their Scouting leaders through inspiring and effective delivery of Scouting – that future growth and ability to deliver these unforgettable experiences for future generations must be accomplished with minimal ecological impact on resources to ensure preservation.